Ruckus October 4, 2012

Ruckus October 4, 2012

THE NEW COMEBACK KID!
Congressman Todd Akin is staying in the race for the U.S. Senate and is getting support from some key Republicans who earlier had called for him to leave because of his controversial “rape“ comment. Despite his impressive showing in the polls and enhanced financial support, national analysts (it seems to me) are still discounting his chances.

A SECOND TIME FOR THIRD GRADE
The Republican Chairman of the Kansas House Education Committee is interested in “retainer” legislation that would require third-graders not reading at grade level to stay third-graders. This would preclude ‘social promotions” where children are moved to the next grade level, despite their academic deficiencies.

FOOD NAZIS AND THE SLIPPERY SLOPE
Star columnist Tom McClanahan writes about increasing government intrusion into what and how much people eat and drink. While he thinks some government involvement is reasonable, McClanahan is concerned about “the slippery slope” and those he calls “America’s Food Nazis.” The columnist points to efforts by New York City to control soft-drink size and federal government’s calorie standards for school menus.